Overview & Reviews

For now, Isuzu SUVs and trucks are all that you'll see at your local Isuzu dealer; it's been quite a few years since there's been an Isuzu car. The company's specialized lineup is more a function of circumstance than choice. In recent years, Isuzu has seen its share of hard times; a lack of funding for both new product investment and marketing has forced the company to rely heavily on its partnership with GM. Both of the models in its line are derived from existing GM products.

Isuzu, which means "50 bells," is the name of a river that flows through a province dotted with ancient Shinto shrines in Japan. The company's roots date back to 1916, when Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Company first decided to broaden its business to include automobile manufacturing. The company forged a technical union with the U.K.-based Wolseley Motor Company in 1918. Its debut licensed offering, the A9 car, soon followed, as did its first truck, the CP. By 1949, the company's name had been changed to the more succinct Isuzu.

In the postwar years, production of Isuzu trucks boomed. The company's vehicles played a significant role in Japan's reconstruction effort, and were used to ferry clothes, food and other essentials. In 1953, Isuzu rolled out the Hillman Minx passenger car, the product of a technical union with Rootes, a U.K. outfit.

The 1960s saw the launch of passenger cars like the Florian, the Bellett and the 117 Coupe, as well as trucks like the WASP. In 1971, Isuzu entered into a partnership with General Motors. The Gemini, released a couple of years later, was the first Isuzu vehicle to be produced from the pairing.

By the 1980s, Isuzu had landed on American shores. The Pup was the first Isuzu sold in the U.S. market. The Trooper, an SUV available in two- or four-door form, was introduced in 1983 and quickly became popular in that new market segment. The company entered into a joint venture with Subaru in 1987, a union that spawned the Isuzu Rodeo and the Isuzu Pickup. Less popular than the trucks were the cars, such as the dated I-Mark sedan and the handsome, Italian-designed Impulse sport coupe.

The company's sales were relatively strong in the 1990s, thanks in part to the increasing success of the Trooper, which by that time had grown in size and luxury. The Trooper was one of the models responsible for the massive popularity of the SUV vehicle category during that decade. In 1999, GM upped its stake in Isuzu to assume the role of majority shareholder.

The new millennium brought bad news, however. Previous bestsellers like the Rodeo and the Trooper were outclassed by newer, fresher competition, and sales plummeted. The Rodeo and the Axiom (a crossover SUV) were dropped from the lineup in 2004. Currently, Isuzu's lineup comprises just two vehicles — a truck and an SUV, both of which are based on GM products.

User Reviews:

• 

  Solid and capable - 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
  By RodeoMike - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I find the build quality to be fine. Not a problem yet. Very capable off road. The interior has been solid. Nothing is made cheaply. Not sure what the editors tested.

• 

  pros & cons - 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
  By d cant. - June 10 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my 1998 Izusu Rodeo overall has been Good. It drives well. Fairly dependable and is a nice vehicle to look at.

• 

  ok so far - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Billl32001 - June 6 - 6:33 am

  Bought new, has 90000 miles. 60000 had intake manifold go, which is very common. 70000 had egr go, not a big deal. 88000 had to put new starter in, $500. Thats it so far, except basic stuff like pads, muffler and lights. Did timing belt early, I notice a lot of used ones have bad belts.

• 

  best vehicle ever purchased - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By nataanderson - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love everything about it! It is roomier than any of the other suvs in and some above its class. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for an awesome vehicle!

• 

  Exceptional 2nd Trooper - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Army Trooper - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Isuzu Trooper; my first was a 1988 that I reluctantly sold. I had it for 10 years. The 1999 is far more powerful, rides even better, and really delivers a punch when needed. I intend to keep mine for as long as I can! And then I intend to give it to my daughter as her first vehicle! Super performer off road and on in all weather conditions. Pleased as pleased can be!

• 

  Grace( getting somthing you donr deserve - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By jorge - June 1 - 2:00 am

  this is my first SUV and I really enjoy it. We bought the XS package and we feel extreme privilidge to own a car like this!! We were looking for a SUV as the Saturn or Rodeo but did not realize that we could get an Axiom for a little bit more with soooo many extras!! ITs AWESOME!

• 

  Great SUV Option - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By agrizzaffi - May 31 - 6:26 pm

  I really wish we hadnt traded in our Axiom. We purchased it used in 11/05 as a cash car to replace a beater that had just puttered out. Was very pleasantly surprised by the vehicle and quickly came to love it. Great mid-size design with quality interior layout and materials. It was gutsy in its acceleration and speed and was more than adequate towing (5000 lbs). Got very good gas mileage and was comfortable even on a 12 hour non-stop trip to Tennessee. I would definitely recommend as a starter car for a teenager, or a commuter car for anyone. Plenty of leg room in the back seat plus plenty of cargo space in the back.

• 

  Lots of electrical probs starting at approx 80,000mi. Listed in order of failure: check engine light came on thermostat, speedometer, fuel gauge and oil pressure gauge at 105,000mi. - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By mysuzuki - May 29 - 11:54 am

  Dealer where I purchased the vehicle said none of the probs were covered under warranty because of the mileage. I called Isuzu corporate office and they said there is a "policy extension" on the fuel gauge to 120,000mi. The policy extension has a campaign number issued for it. " SB 13-04-S004 (fuel sensor).They referred me to another dealer who has ordered the part for the fuel gauge. However, they say the instrument cluster" needs to be replaced and it is not certain that the fuel gauge will work unless it is replaced and some or all of the probs may or may not work unless the instrument cluster is replaced. Footnote: A linkage part in the transmission shifted broke at approx 100,000mi

• 

  My First Isuzu - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By Edgrr - May 20 - 10:00 am

  So far, no a single problem. I am amazed at how well it responds when pushed. It will be nice to see the Ascender have the looks of the Axiom in the future editions.

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By Atlanta Driver - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Great riding, driving truck with two ride settings, comfort and sport. Interior is well appointed, comfortable, high quality, heated leather seats, 140 watt 6 disc CD, leather trim on door panels, driver information center, automatic AC, self dimming mirrors, great styling touchs on console and shift lever. The exterior styling is sensational and very unique, it is a real attention getter. The engine and transmission are smooth and provide great acceleration. This is a vehicle you must spend some time with to appreciate the great quality and performance. It is a very unique vehicle, a great buy!